ABU DHABI // Masdar has launched a wind atlas designed to further the case for wind farm development in coastal areas and islands of the UAE.
Over the past 10 years, a team commissioned by Masdar has been collecting data on the country’s wind patterns to prompt developers to invest in a technology that is often overshadowed by the falling cost of solar energy.
“Although the cost of the panels has gone down drastically, solar now is more promising than wind, but it seems that the cost of the panels has flattened,” said Dr Hosni Ghedira, the research centre director at Masdar’s renewable energy mapping and assessment division.
“The big changes have occurred for solar technology, but for wind the price is decreasing so we expect it to beat solar again. It’s a competition.”
The atlas has data on wind intensity and direction at varying elevations from 10 to 120 metres.
The database is accessible online, and despite being developed by Masdar for potential investment it is available to third-party organisations.
“I think this is the main process to attract key investors, and it’s true that Masdar is one of the key players here,” Dr Ghedira said. “But our contribution through the wind atlas is to prompt investors before going to micro-siting.”
Micro-siting occurs when experts are sent into the field to conduct in-depth studies on the viability of wind farms. The atlas is the first step in that development.
“We know that Masdar has plans to develop farms all over the UAE in different places, and I believe this is the start of Masdar’s involvement in the future,” said Jacinto Estima, the geographic information systems developer and programmer for the wind atlas.
The highest wind intensity recorded by the team has been along the coast of Fujairah and at Sir Bani Yas island.
“The atlas includes the offshore potential as well, and that’s a completely different environment,” said Dr Taha Ouarda, head of the I-Water Centre at Masdar. “When you’re doing the recordings measurements should be corrected.”
The website, now available in a demo version, allows users to discover that aside from along the east coast, the winds are generally stronger over the ocean.
Wind direction is also a highly demanding factor in determining whether wind is a feasible power source.
As part of the research, developers have also included measurements in Qatar, which has recorded much higher rates of wind intensity, garnering much attention in the process.
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Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
the pledge
I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance
I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice
I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own
I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself
I pledge to live in harmony with my community
I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness
I pledge to do my part to create peace for all
I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community
I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Tree of Hell
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
New process leads to panic among jobseekers
As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.
“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.
Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE.
“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.
“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”
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